The statement relative to the use of teflon tape is NOT correct in all parts of
the US.
Teflon tape is not prohibited by the Uniform Building Code used as a model
across the US. Some states & municipalities may prohibit its use, however that
is a local decission usually based on a political decission or union pressure.
There is no safety or engineering reason not to use teflon tape on the gases
we’re talking about here.
There is, however, one requirement, you CANNOT use the WHITE teflon tape. For
use with gas piping you MUST use the YELLOW teflon tape to be in compliance with
the Building Code.
You sure about the ‘color’ requirement??? … Seems it should be just the
opposite … leave us not forget about ‘color blind’ people??? … after
all ‘yellow’ isn’t there favorite color!
Jim
At 06:21 PM 11/13/96 EST, you wrote:
Hey gang,
The statement relative to the use of teflon tape is NOT correct in all parts of
the US.
Teflon tape is not prohibited by the Uniform Building Code used as a model
across the US. Some states & municipalities may prohibit its use, however that
is a local decission usually based on a political decission or union pressure.
There is no safety or engineering reason not to use teflon tape on the gases
we’re talking about here.
There is, however, one requirement, you CANNOT use the WHITE teflon tape. For
use with gas piping you MUST use the YELLOW teflon tape to be in compliance
with
The statement relative to the use of teflon tape is NOT correct in all parts of
the US.
Teflon tape is not prohibited by the Uniform Building Code used as a model
across the US. Some states & municipalities may prohibit its use, however that
is a local decission usually based on a political decission or union pressure.
There is no safety or engineering reason not to use teflon tape on the gases
we’re talking about here.
There is, however, one requirement, you CANNOT use the WHITE teflon tape. For
use with gas piping you MUST use the YELLOW teflon tape to be in
compliance with
the Building Code.
Dave
Is the yellow different or just colored so somebody taking the piping apart
will know the piping is for gas (assuming that the original applier used
the yellow tape “properly”)?
John
John Dach and Cynthia Thomas
Maiden Metals
a div. of The thirst for knowledge,
MidLife Crisis Enterprises like that for water
PO BX 44 must be slaked.
Philo, CA 95466
707-895-2635(phone/fax) @John_Cynthia_MidLife
Is the yellow different or just colored so somebody taking the piping apart
will know the piping is for gas (assuming that the original applier used
the yellow tape “properly”)?
The yellow tape has a different formulation, it’s made to resist the chemical
actions of gases.
FWIW
Some states, localities (Tucson is one) forbid the use of copper pipe in
acetylene distribution systems. Iron pipe must be used (black type usually used
for gas). Evidently there is a long term corrosion problem.
Is the yellow different or just colored so somebody taking the piping apart
will know the piping is for gas (assuming that the original applier used
the yellow tape “properly”)?
The yellow tape has a different formulation, it’s made to resist the chemical
actions of gases.
FWIW
Some states, localities (Tucson is one) forbid the use of copper pipe in
acetylene distribution systems. Iron pipe must be used (black type usually used
for gas). Evidently there is a long term corrosion problem.
Dave
Interesting in that I was talking with our local hardware dealer (ex
contractor) and we were looking at the Teflon tape, paste and string, all
white and none said anything about not using on gas. The paste and the
rope both stated for use on gas fittings amongst other places. The tape
said on all types of air, liquid, gases etc. The only “not to be used on”
statement was not to be used on certain hot caustics. The uniform building
code is evidently not too uniform!
John
John Dach and Cynthia Thomas
Maiden Metals
a div. of The thirst for knowledge,
MidLife Crisis Enterprises like that for water
PO BX 44 must be slaked.
Philo, CA 95466
707-895-2635(phone/fax) @John_Cynthia_MidLife
Using teflon tape on oxy and fuel connections is not a safe practice
unless they are pipe (tapered) threads. Even on pipe threads you
must be sure that you use teflon tape that is rated for the gas you
are using. I have seen white, yellow and pink teflon tape that is
certified for fuel gas use. Oxygen use must be clearly specified on
the tape before you should use it with that gas as impropper
materials used in a pressurized oxygen environment can lead to fire
or explosion.
That said, hose fittings and regulator fittings are not repeat not a
suitable use of teflon tape. they seal via a machined mating surface
not a tapered thread. If they will not seal do not use any type of
material to help them along. They need to be replaced. If you get a
tank from the supplier that will not seal to your regulator call the
gas company and have a new one delivered or take it back if you pick
up your own. If your hoses will not make a gas tight seal to the
torch or regulator then replace the bad connectors. Your welding gas
supplier can do this for you. Working with flammable gas and oxygen
is not dangerous if you follow the rules, use of teflon tape on
machined mating fittings is a violation of those rules.
Work smart and safe.
Jim
James Binnion @James_Binnion
James Binnion Metal Arts